50 Random Frugal Money Saving Tips You Should Probably Know


Search the Internet and you will quickly find there are so many ways to save a dollar here and there.  If you’re serious about saving money, I put together 50 simple no-thrill ways you can save money as early as today.  Enjoy!

  1. Shop with the exact amount of money for the things you need to buy as this will avoid impulse buying.
  2. Always try to buy a second-hand car or expensive gadget if it makes sense.
  3.  Avoid eating from restaurants since they are twice or three times the price you would spend when you prepare the same food at home. If you do want to eat out, look for coupons, happy hour deals or specials.
  4. Eat healthy and exercise more to avoid costly medical bills.
  5.  Frequently listen to financial experts or read several books/blogs/articles that talk about personal financial management to help you save for the future.
  6. Avoid using credit cards for anything since it is so easy to buy more things than you need when compared to cash.
  7.  Buying in bulk is cheap and convenient as compared to purchasing in small quantities.
  8. Avoid drinking alcohol at bars since one drink can almost equal a 12-pack.  Consider purchasing the drinks and creating a bar scene at home.
  9. Keep everything in tip-top condition to save on repair costs in the future. 
  10. Create a budget on how you would use your money in a day since planning cuts down impulse buying, making you stick on your budget.
  11. Avoid carrying money when you don’t need it because money in the pocket is more tempting; you end up using it unknowingly.
  12. Carry water in a water bottle everywhere you go.  This will cut the cost of buying water or any drinks when you’re thirsty while away from home.
  13. Take advantage library resources as they have thousands of books, movies and more.
  14. Learn how to bargain as this cuts the cost of purchasing, especially when buying big-ticket items like a car.
  15. Turn off electronic devices when not in use.
  16.  Research online before you purchase anything to see who’s offering the best price.
  17. Pack your food if traveling, going out for a walk or camping.
  18. Pay your bills online since it’s free to use and enables you to pay bills on time while avoiding stamps.
  19. Talk with someone before purchasing something big.   It also doesn’t hurt to sleep on it for a week to make sure it makes sense.
  20. When you get a raise at work, pretend you never received it and invest the difference.
  21. Consider dropping cable for Netflix or even something like the Playstation Vue.  This can help you save close to $50.
  22. Think of creative ways to make money on the side if you need more cash.  This could include selling crafts you make or working with Uber.
  23. Try solving other people’s financial problems as this can sometimes make you realize your financial loopholes as well.
  24. Live within your means, and try to always save 15% of your paycheck.
  25. Spend more time doing constructive work to avoid unhealthy spending.
  26. Don’t let your money sit there.  Invest it, even if it’s in a simple money market account collecting 1% interest.
  27. Consider the thrift stores for items you won’t use a lot such as a suit or Halloween costume.
  28. Get your friends to live frugal like you.
  29. Subscribe to online resource materials which are cheaper than buying the “hard” paper version.  For example, the online newspaper is often free.
  30. Before you pay for an online service, see if there’s a free alternative.
  31. Learn how to have fun for free.  This could include taking a hike, mountain climbing, and online games.
  32. Analyze interest rates and borrow a loan when the interest rates are low.  Try to limit your borrowing to a mortgage only.
  33. Traveling can be done, but consider skipping the rental car and consider frugal options like camping.
  34.  Shop recently opened stores and restaurants as they often offer discounts to attract customers.
  35. While traveling overseas, buy things using the local currency than a foreign currency to avoid being exploited or getting charged a foreign transaction fee.
  36.  Avoid impulse purchases over $100.  It’s always best to sleep on it.
  37. If attending an event, see if there are any free parking options before going.
  38. Pick a day each week to clean your home to avoid a messy home or the urge to hire help.
  39. Sometimes it’s best to buy high-quality products since most last longer.  Read the reviews ahead of time to see what people are saying.
  40. Use the sunshine to dry your clothes to save on electricity bills when you use a dryer.
  41. Learn to stick to your budget and saying no to purchasing non-essential products.  Ask yourself:  Do you really need it?
  42. Learn how to sew torn clothes to avoid throwing it out or purchasing new.  It isn’t as hard as you think!
  43. Sell items you don’t use anymore.  If it hasn’t been touched in six months, it may be time to ditch it.  Every little item adds up.
  44. Buy your summer clothes in the winter and winter in the summer to take advantage of discounts.
  45. Always sign up for e-mail lists and bonus cards at local retailers.  Use a separate email just for these accounts to see what kind of discounts you can get.
  46. Don’t feel you always have to pay to entertain your kids.  Think of free places like the park or library.
  47. Look for someone you can share the costs with such as carpooling or buying a Costco membership.
  48. If you smoke, consider quitting today.  A $7 per pack habit per day can add up.
  49.  Install a programmable thermostat to cut the utility costs when you’re not at home for the day.
  50. Lastly, be creative!  There are so many ways to save money out there.  As long as you truly need the item, you’re paying cash and you’re sticking to your budget, there’s no ways you can save a ton of money.  Good luck!
This is a guest post by Stephanie Lynch

Stephanie Lynch is a mother of two who resides in Gilbert, Arizona.  She is the co-founder of howmuchisti.org, a cost-helping database designed to help consumers find out what unknown things cost in life. 

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